It was a star-studded night at Steppenwolf Theatre Company's annual gala, where 675 guests joined the company's ensemble members to celebrate 42 seasons. The May 12 event, held in an enormous industrial space not far from the theater, included a program that featured actor Rainn Wilson, known for his role as Dwight Schrute on NBC's "The Office," comedian Chris Rock and surprise guest Kelsey Grammer.

The evening began with a reception where ensemble members and special guests mingled with attendees. They included Martha Plimpton, Amy Morton, Kathryn Erbe, Jim True-Frost, Kevin Anderson, Celeste M. Cooper and Eric Simonson, as well as actor Johnny Galecki (currently starring in CBS' "The Big Bang Theory" and ABC's "Roseanne").

Dramatic hot-pink lighting, created by Jeffrey Foster for Frost, enhanced the space above the bar, and diamond-shaped lighted grids changed colors on the walls. Table centerpieces by Revel Decor featured all-white orchid plants surrounded by tall candles adorned with photos of Steppenwolf ensemble members that guests could take home as keepsakes.

Jeff Perry, Steppenwolf co-founder and gala co-chair, introduced Wilson, who served as master of ceremonies, as a "practitioner of stupid genius." Wilson quipped, "Wasn't it nice of Gary Sinise to move all of his planes out of here, so we can have this event?" He then acknowledged Rock as one of his "all-time heroes" and joked, "I remember when his “Bigger and Blacker” tour came out. I was inspired, and I did my “Taller, Whiter and Awkwarder” tour, and everyone hated it.”

Wilson introduced Board of Trustees Chair Eric Lefkofsky and Executive Director David Schmitz. They welcomed guests and introduced the ensemble, who gathered onstage for a toast offered by fellow member Audrey Francis.

A moving tribute to the late John Mahoney, an ensemble member since 1979, was given by his longtime friend and fellow actor Kelsey Grammer, who played the title character on the NBC series "Frasier" opposite Mahoney, and artistic director Anna D. Shapiro.

Grammer read a letter onstage that he had written to Mahoney describing their history together and Mahoney's deep love of Steppenwolf.

"You were magnificent as Martin Crane. You and David Hyde Pierce became the family I never had. I could have never asked for a better dad, but we all knew your real family was here at Steppenwolf and your home was Chicago. This was your real family," Grammer said. Shapiro then shared a video montage featuring Mahoney's diverse body of work.

Christie's auctioneer Robbie Gordy conducted the live auction with support from Rock. Steppenwolf's auction packages are always greatly anticipated and unique, since the ensemble members are active donors.

Laurie Metcalf, in collaboration with Perry, donated a weekend package that sold three times at $40,000 each and included a live studio taping of "Roseanne" in Los Angeles, an on-set tour with Metcalf, a private brunch in the Hollywood Hills home of Perry and Linda Lowy, and first-class airfare from United Airlines.

Guests danced the night away to music by Soul Spectacular and DJ Matt Roan.

Over $1.3 million was raised to support the company's educational, artistic and community programming, which includes Steppenwolf for Young Adults, an initiative that reaches more than 15,000 teachers, teens and their families each year.

Freelance writer Candace Jordan is involved in many local organizations, including some whose events she covers.

Ever find yourself scrolling through home-rental websites, day dreaming of a staycation or weekend getaway? Maybe you've flagged them with a heart or bookmark, saving them for easy viewing later when you're ready to book. We asked Airbnb about the most commonly "wish-listed" homes throughout Chicago. The results range from a Lincoln Park loft to a transformed garden apartment in Little Village and range from $65 to $109 a night. Two of the listings are Airbnb Plus, meaning they've passed an inspection to ensure they meet certain standards. Although different, each of these rentals has one thing in common: It seems everyone wants to stay for a night.

(Susan Moskop)

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